Going Dark: China’s Computer Screens

Computer screens are darkening in China, and it’s not because the nation’s netizens are powering down.

A black screen (Photo courtesy Yupoo.com)

Several dozen users of Microsoft’s XP operating system and its Office software took to the Internet today to say that their desktop backgrounds had begun turning black. The switch doesn’t render the computer unusable, but it undoes people’s efforts to personalize their computer screens with photos or designs. Many said they were able to restore their original desktops only to have their screens turn black again an hour later.

The users have run into one of Microsoft Corp.’s latest anti-piracy efforts. Its Windows Genuine Advantage software, installed via recent online updates, determines whether the software on the computer is legitimate or pirated. Users will be treated with plain black desktop if their computers fail the validation process. Meanwhile, a persistent desktop notification will pop up at the right corner, warning that the user may be a victim of software counterfeiting.

The company says that many of the press reports so far have misinterpreted the new measure. Background images can be returned. Users can purchase the software they’re using. And during the whole process, the user’s applications won't be affected and information won't get lost.

The software isn’t restricted to China, but with many users owning illegitimate copies it has created a stir online there. According to the stats from several popular online forums such as Tianya.com, more than 50 users were treated with black desktop about 10 minutes past midnight.

At issue, say users, is the price of a legitimate copy of Windows XP. Windows XP is sold at $199, which is over 1,400 yuan. The company says that it has already adjusted the policy to make the price more attractive to Chinese computer users. For instance, the Windows XP Home/Student Edition is sold at a promotion price of 199 yuan, and suggested price for Windows Vista Service Pack is 499 yuan. Still, the price is steep for many Chinese users who have vastly cheaper pirated versions available to them.

One survey on Sina.com showed that 86% out of 90,000 people participating say they "won't consider a shift to genuine Windows because of the crackdown by Microsoft.” [This link, and all following links, are in Chinese.] “We do not stand up for piracy, but against your company for not thinking how the users feel," wrote blogger going by the name Ling Ge in an open letter to Microsoft.

Others had a bit of fun. Last night, drawn by media reports that black screens were imminent, hundreds crowded the discussion room in Douban.com, named "black screen countdown,” waiting for the blackout to come. "It'll be so exciting to have a live broadcast when thousands of computers go black!" wrote a netizen from Guangzhou.

Some preset the system time on their computers to view the blackout, with help from online instructions. Some even made their own blackscreen wallpaper to make fun of Microsoft's new anti-piracy measures. One read, "absolutely pirated edition/voluntarily black screened.”